Women's Basketball

Cronin Returns to Professional Basketball

May 06, 2003

May 6, 2003

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -
Santa Clara University women's basketball assistant coach Katie Cronin has resigned her position with the Bronco program to return to her hometown of Fort Collins, Colo. She will begin playing professional basketball again, for the Colorado Chill, while also working for Triple Crown Sports Center.

Head coach Michelle Bento has initiated a search for a second assistant.

The Colorado Chill is part of the National Women's Basketball League. Cronin and former Colorado State teammate Becky Hammon were the first players under contract in the three-year-old league.

"I'm excited about playing in my hometown," Cronin said. "I wasn't planning on starting up again. It's definitely something I like to do and I'm ready for the challenge to be prepared for the season."

Cronin will wear No. 33, the same number she had when she led Colorado State University to a 104-21 record and three NCAA Tournament berths in four seasons (1995-99). She remains one of the top two scorers in CSU history.

A 6-foot wing, Cronin spent time in two WNBA training camps but didn't make either the New York Liberty's or the Seattle Storm's roster. She also played one season overseas and spent the past two years as a college assistant, first at Seton Hall and this past season at Santa Clara.

Cronin will become a full-time staff member at Triple Crown Sports, beginning immediately. In addition to playing for the Chill, her duties will include working on-site with high school athletes in TCS's strength and conditioning programs.

Approximately 25 WNBA players participated this past season in the NWBL, including such stars as Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo and Swin Cash. The two seasons don't overlap, with the WNBA going from May through early September and the NWBL from late January to mid April.